customer Archive

Hello, welcome to XYZ Toastmasters! I’m so glad you decided to visit us. Do you have a minute, I’d love to hear what brought you to the meeting today!

In the prior tips on marketing, you learned that your customer comes first. In this tip, we explore that concept just a little more.

Take the time to get to know why someone visited your club. What interested in them about YOUR club, and not the one 6 blocks down the street? Were they just curious, maybe heard about Toastmasters from a friend, and decided to check it out? Or are they looking to improve their ability to get up in front of an audience without freaking out? Whatever the reason, you won’t know unless you put your own needs aside and concentrate on your customer.

Once you know why they are interested in Toastmasters, and specifically your club, you can tailor your comments to meet their needs. Of course, this assumes that your club performed up to Toastmasters meeting standards. Oh, you don’t consider a club meeting a performance? Think about it, and look for the next marketing tip on showmanship.

The last time someone approached you with an unsolicited sales pitch, what was your reaction? If it was anything like mine, you responded with a cool,very polite “no thank you!”

Always take the time and effort to understand what your customer wants, needs, desires. Then tailor your presentation accordingly. When you take “YOU” out of the equation, concentrating fully on finding a way to help your customer, you become a facilitator. Facilitators are collaborators, partners – trusted members of the team.

In marketing your Toastmasters club to a prospective member, remember it’s not about you. It’s all about helping your customer. Engage in meaningful dialogue, using your listening skills, to understand what attracted them to your club. Use the knowledge gained to illustrate, with personal stories, how Toastmasters can help them achieve their goals.